CATHOLIC HALL.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9943, 24 January 1898, Page 6

CATHOLIC HALL.

A meeting of the parishioners of the procathedral pari*h was held yesterday, Very Rev. Father Cumminga, V.G., presiding, to consider the question of erecting a Catholic hall. A report submitted from the executive committee pointed out that a hall was greatly needed for the use of the Catholic 3 of Christchurch for entertainments, &c. They had had hitho.-to to use the school or hire a hall, both of which courses were open to objection. A move was made by Rev. Father Cummings to establish a hall near the usual parochial buildings, and a preliminary meeting ot members of the various societies was held to discuss ways and means and as to how a suitable hall could be obtained. An executive committee was formed to go into the details, and bring up a report. The committee made inquiries as to the desirableness of removing St. Aloysius Hall' to the pro-cathedral grounds. It was found on inquiry that for some years past £92 per annum had been paid .in interest and principal with respect to the hall, leaving at present an amount of £120 to pay off to clear it. When this is done the hall would become the property of the parish. If the hall were acquired there would be a saving of the £92 annually paid, which would be about sufficient to provide two more priests for the parish assistance, which is very much wanted. To enable this to be carried out three schemes were suggested to the executive—(l) A limited liability company ; (2) an art union; (3) voluntary subscriptions. After considerable discussion the first and second proposals were rejected, and a suggestion was made embodying the advantages of the second and third propositions. This was considered by the Executive and finally approved for submission to the meeting of fashioners. The scheme is as follows :— t 'is proposed to issue subscription cards to the members of the fc parinh or any who are willing to collect, and, as an incentive, a certain amount of prizes will be given to those who obtain tbe highest amounts. Rev. Father Cummings had promised to give a silver watch each to the girl or boy under sixteen who obtains the greatest sum in subscriptions, and for adults there will be given a framed oil painting value £5 and prize photo of lake scenery framed. The Executive were pleased to be able to report that already subscriptions had been promised to the amount of £30, and they felt confident that the amount necessary for extinguishing the debt and removing the building, £250, will be collected without difficulty if the parishioners co operate heartily. The Executive mentioned that offers had been received from Hnlswell and Addington to purchase the hall, but they considered it would be a mistake to allow the hall to go out of the parish. The possesion of such a building would enable inducements to be given to the young men of the parish to meet therein for recreation, &c, and it would form a parish meeting place. The report was adopted, and it was decided that efforts should be at once made to carry the suggestion into effect. Subscription cards were at once issued, and it it confidently expected that the object will be attained.